Volleyball Posts 3-2 Comeback Win over UMass Dartmouth

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University volleyball team battled back from a 2-1 deficit as the visiting Bears downed the Corsairs of UMass Dartmouth, 3-2, on Thursday evening at The Tripp Center.

The win snapped a five-match losing streak for the Bears who improve to 5-7 on the season.  The host Corsairs slip to 1-7 overall with their third straight setback.

After posting a 25-17 victory in the opener, the Bears saw their lead slip away as the Corsair posted a 25-12 decision in game two and a 25-21 win in game three.  Bridgewater tied the match with a 25-17 win in the fourth game and then won the match with a 15-13 triumph in the fifth and deciding game.

For the Bears, freshman setter Charleyne Panner (Gilford, N.H.) recorded a career-high 41 assists to go along with 11 digs.  Sophomore middle hitter Julie Hutchins (Bellingham, Mass.) had a season-high 12 kills and seven blocks (four solo) as well as an impressive .524 hitting percentage.  Senior libero Kristen Robillard (Swansea, Mass.) tallied a season-best 29 digs, while freshman outside hitter Hannah Maymon (Narragansett, R.I.) notched 12 kills.

Senior middle hitter Michelle Atkins (Chelsea, Mass.) added seven kills and three blocks (two solo) for the visitors, while junior defensive specialist Sarah Mullarkey (Salem, Mass.) chipped in with 17 digs, two kills and an ace.  Senior outside hitter Danielle Dean (Gilford, N.H.) finished with eight kills, 14 digs and an ace.

For UMass Dartmouth, freshman setter Christina Spinazola (Medway, Mass.) had 43 assists and 15 digs, senior middle blocker Tahirah Gibson (Norwood, Mass.) had 13 kills and three blocks, while sophomore outside hitter Eliza Bowes (West Yarmouth, Mass.) and sophomore outside hitter Brianna Perry (New Bedford, Mass.) had 11 kills each. Sophomore libero Carina Filosa (Milford, Mass.) recorded 15 digs, while Perry recorded nine digs.

UMass Dartmouth will return to action when they host Western Connecticut State University and Lasell College in a tri-match on Saturday. Bridgewater State will host Mount Ida College on Monday.